Rapid Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke: Part 1: Development and Validation.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Clinical Nursing
• Swallowing Disorders

Background:

• Stroke patients are at high risk for aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia and increased morbidity.
• Early identification of aspiration risk is crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
• Existing screening methods may not be sufficiently sensitive or practical for bedside use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a nurse-administered screening tool for identifying aspiration risk in patients with suspected stroke.
• To assess the accuracy of the tool compared to videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS).

Main Methods:

• A validity study was conducted comparing nurse-administered swallowing screening items with VFSS results.
• 250 consecutive patients admitted with suspected stroke were included.
• Logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of aspiration.

Main Results:

• Aspiration was identified in 12% of participants.
• Age >70 years, dysarthria, and signs during a water swallow trial were significant predictors of aspiration.
• The validated tool demonstrated 93% sensitivity and 98% negative predictive value for aspiration risk.

Conclusions:

• The Rapid Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke is a valid and reliable tool for nurses.
• It enables early detection of aspiration risk in suspected stroke patients.
• This tool can aid in preventing aspiration-related complications.